How important is online marketing for businesses that conduct most of their transactions offline?

Lindsey Miller, Director of Creative Studios at Miles Technologies, shares insight into the importance of online marketing for all industries even those that operate primarily in the traditional marketplace. “With the overwhelming majority of today’s consumers using search engines to research products and services before they buy, simply having a physical storefront is no longer sufficient for attracting customers and making sales,” Miller reports. “Regardless of whether your business is conducted on or offline, you must have a website that is highly visible in internet searches in order to attract potential customers in your service area.”

Miller stresses that failure to engage in online marketing can have devastating results on an organization’ success. “If you are waiting to take your marketing efforts online just because most of your business is conducted offline, then you risk missing out on an alarming amount of potential customers in your service area.”

According to Miller, the following traditionally offline industries can benefit greatly from a well-designed website and a strong virtual presence:

Miller emphasizes that the need for online marketing is not limited to the industries listed above. “Online marketing is quickly becoming critical to survival in today’s economy. Every business, regardless of industry, should be working to gain a competitive edge in the virtual marketplace.”